The family that makes together: Studies in Crap keeps regular with Kelloggs’ Keep on the Sunny Side of Life

Each Thursday, your Crap Archivist brings you the finest in forgotten and bewildering crap culled from basements, thrift stores, estate sales and flea markets. I do this for one reason: Knowledge is power.

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Keep on the Sunny Side of Life: A New Way of Living

Date: 1933

Publisher: Kellogg, Battle Creek, Michigan

Discovered at: Sentimental Journey Antiques, Olathe

Representative Quote:

“Health itself is the source of sparkling eyes, of a smooth, lovely skin and an engaging personality. Bran helps.” (page 18).

Take a look at that cover. Savor the sunniness, the cheeks flushed with happiness, the way the whole family has put its best foot forward to step into the grandest of futures — and, apparently, a tap number worked. What could lead anyone to feel such joy, especially in the depths of the worst depression this country ever faced?

The first chapter, “Public Enemy Number 1,” explains:

“Are you acquainted with that prevalent enemy of health and well-being, constipation?”

A page later:

“Constipation may undermine beauty and youthfulness. Complexions may take on a sallow, lifeless hue. Eyes may lost their sparkle, become dull and uninteresting.”

In short, for 32 pages, Kellogg’s touts its “New Way of Living”: eat All-Bran and your family will poop sunshine, thereby ending the Depression.

Again, consider that cover. Note the miserable blue streaking out behind the puppy, the only family member not Branned to bursting. Note, also, the faces of the damned suffering behind him. It takes more than moral fiber to live the American dream.